HarperCollins signs three-book deal with Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo has signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins and the first new title will be published later this month.

Michael Morpurgo has signed a three-book deal with HarperCollins and the first new title will be published later this month.

Eagle in the Snow, released 8th October (h/b, £12.99), was inspired by the true story of Henry Tandey, the most decorated British soldier of the First World War and the man who allegedly had the chance to kill Hitler at the Battle of Marcoing. Publication will be accompanied by a nationwide PR and marketing campaign.

The next two novels, whose titles are yet to be announced, will be published between now and 2019.

Executive publisher Ann-Janine Murtagh, who concluded a deal for world rights with and Veronique Baxter at David Higham, said: “Michael has written many of the classic children's books of our time – and is unrivalled in his ability to tell stories that reach across time and appeal across generations. His new title An Eagle in the Snow is quintessentially Morpurgo in capturing a small moment in history and weaving it into a breathtaking, dramatic and moving story that will have readers gripped till the last page.”

Morpurgo is the author of several children’s books set during WW1, including Private Peaceful (HarperCollins Children’s Books) and War Horse (Egmont), which was turned into a successful stage play and film.